Forensic Analyst Technical Leader - FGG Unit

Title: Forensic Analyst Technical Leader - FGG Unit

Employee Classification: Forensic Analyst Tech Leader

Campus: University of North Texas - Health Science Center

Division: HSC-Div of Rsrch & Innovation

SubDivision-Department: HSC-Health Institutes & Centers

Department: HSC-Center for Human ID-304600

Job Location: Fort Worth

Salary: Grade 15

FTE: 1.000000

Retirement Eligibility: TRS Eligible

About Us - Values Overview

Department Summary

The Center for Human Identification (CHI) at UNT Health is an accredited forensic lab designated as a criminal justice agency by the state of Texas. Globally recognized for its expertise, CHI offers forensic DNA testing, forensic genetic genealogy (FGG), CODIS operations, anthropological analysis, investigative support, cutting-edge research initiatives, and forensic training and education.  CHI was the first public lab in the nation accredited to perform forensic genetic genealogy (FGG), and manages the Texas Missing Persons DNA Database.

Position Overview

The Technical Leader - FGG Unit is responsible for the technical operations of the Forensic Genetic Genealogy (FGG) Unit of the DNA laboratory with authority to initiate, suspend, and resume laboratory operations. The Technical Leader supervises the FGG Unit staff and is responsible for the unit’s growth and overall performance.

Minimum Qualifications

Graduate degree in Biology, Chemistry, Forensic Science or related field, and five (5) years of forensic DNA laboratory experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Prior experience in STR DNA data analysis, interpretation, statistical calculations and reporting including DNA mixture interpretation
• Prior kinship/relationship testing experience to include lineage marker testing
• Knowledge of the FBI Quality Assurance Standards, ISO/IEC 17025:2017, ANAB’s AR 3125 and other published standards, guidelines and best practice recommendations (e.g., OSAC, SWGDAM) within the forensic DNA community
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office, including Excel
• Knowledge of statistical analysis
• Strong ability to collaborate and foster collaboration across forensic and criminal justice professions
• Ability to train and assess the skills and abilities of new laboratory personnel
• Excellent presentation skills, both visual and verbal

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience with SNP analysis
• Prior experience with whole genome sequencing and imputation
• Prior experience with the Verogen ForenSeq Kintelligence Kit and MiSeq FGx® Sequencing System
• Prior experience with the Illumina Infinium Global Screening Array-24 v3.0 BeadChip and Illumina iScan System
• Prior experience or training in forensic genetic genealogy research using public genealogy databases
• Prior experience in mitochondrial DNA data analysis, interpretation, lineage marker statistical calculations and reporting
• Prior experience providing expert witness testimony
• Knowledge of the TFSC Forensic Analyst Licensing Program

Required License/Registration/Certifications

Applicant must be able to apply for and obtain a Forensic Analyst license from the Texas Forensic Science Commission (TFSC) before beginning any casework duties.

Job Duties

• Evaluates and/or approves all validations, methods, and procedures used by the laboratory.
• Proposes new or modified analytical procedures and provides technical problem solving as technical issues arise.
• Develops and/or approves validation plans and performance check requirements for new or modified analytical procedures and instruments.
• Provides oversight and/or approval of training, quality assurance, safety, continuing education and proficiency testing programs.
• Maintains proficiency by completing two external proficiency tests per year.
•  Reviews and approves qualifications of new analysts, including developing, assessing and approving competency measures.
•  Provides technical problem solving as technical issues arise.
• May function as a qualified analyst and perform casework to include processing and analysis of evidence, technical reviews, and administrative reviews.
• Provides expert witness testimony as required.
• Supervises Forensic DNA analysts, technologists and/or the daily operations of the laboratory.
• Directs casework flow through assignments of tasks and/or casework.
• Monitors performance metrics.
•  Reviews internal and external audits.
•  Reviews and/or approves applicable MOUs with other laboratories and/or agencies.
• Communicates with stakeholders regarding case acceptance and estimated timelines.
• Work in conjunction with directors and other laboratory management to establish and achieve laboratory goals.
• Collaborate with CHI’s Investigative Support Unit for case management and genetic genealogy purposes.
• Evaluates and approves testing with the appropriate SNP technology for FGG Unit cases.

Physical Requirements

• Repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands and/or fingers.
• Sedentary work that primarily involves sitting/standing.
• Communicating with others to exchange information.

Environmental Hazards

• No adverse environmental conditions expected.

Work Schedule

M-F, 8:00a - 5:00p (potential for alternate schedule)

Driving University Vehicle

No

Security Sensitive

This is a Security Sensitive Position.

Special Instructions

Applicants must submit a minimum of two professional references as part of their application. If needed, additional references can be added after the application has been submitted. Employment at the Center for Human Identification is contingent upon your agreement to provide a DNA sample for purposes of quality control to detect sample contamination.

Candidates are required to provide their transcript(s) with application.

Benefits

For information regarding our Benefits, click here.

EEO Statement

The University of North Texas System is firmly committed to equal opportunity and does not permit –and takes actions to prevent – discrimination, harassment (including sexual violence, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking), and retaliation on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, or veteran status in its application, employment practices, and facilities; nor permits race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, veteran status, or sex discrimination and harassment in its admissions processes, and educational programs and activities. UNT System Administration promptly investigates complaints of discrimination, harassment, and related retaliation and takes remedial action when appropriate. System Administration also takes actions to prevent retaliation against individuals who oppose any form of harassment or discriminatory practice, file a charge or report, or testify, assist, or participate in a related investigation or proceeding.